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Ronaldinho hits hat-trick as Barca crush Udinese
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-28 08:55
BARCELONA, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Ronaldinho led Barcelona to a scintillating
4-1 win over 10-man Udinese with a hat-trick in their Champions League Group C
match at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.
The World Player of the Year put Barca ahead with a curling free kick on 12
minutes and grabbed his second when he stroked the ball home from 15 metres
after Felipe had equalised for the visitors.
Portugal midfielder Deco extended Barca's lead before the break with another
curling free kick and Ronaldinho completed his hat-trick with a last-minute
penalty after he was brought down by a bemused Felipe as he jinked past him in
the area.
The win left Frank Rijkaard's side top of Group C with a maximum six points
from two games. Udinese are second on three points.
It was also a triumph for the Dutchman's policy of rotating his squad after
he had rested Ronaldinho and Deco for the 4-1 victory over Real Betis at the
weekend.
"The boss knows what he's doing," said Brazilian Ronaldinho. "We understand
his policy and he has our full confidence.
"The team played very well and I was delighted to help out with three goals."
Barca, who beat Werder Bremen in their first group match, were the first to
threaten when Lionel Messi had a shot saved by keeper Morgan Di Sanctis after
the young Argentine had cut across the edge of the area.
Four minutes later the 18-year-old surged through midfield only to be brought
down two metres outside the area by Portuguese midfielder Vidigal.
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